Page:Once a Week Jun to Dec 1864.pdf/29

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fall by the hands of the ordinary executioner of the time, like any other prisoner sentenced to death. But that this was really the case there can be little question. It is worth while to remark, however, as an element in the consideration of the trustworthiness of history, how very soon, as in this case, doubt and mystery collect round and obscure an event of singular importance. Less than twelve years after the death of the king, the commissioners appointed to bring the regicides to judgment could not clearly ascertain who was the actual executioner, and notwithstanding that they find a prisoner guilty of the offence, doubt on still, and scruple to inflict the punishment to which they had sentenced him. 2em